Coastal authority delays Newport fire rings decision

A man digs through the sand for recyclables next to a fire ring north of the Balboa pier Wednesday. The Newport Beach city council has voted to remove all of the rings citing saftey and pollution concerns. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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SAN DIEGO – The California Coastal Commission has postponed a decision on the issue of whether the city of Newport Beach can remove 60 fire rings on its beaches.

Commissioners on Wednesday decided to wait for a decision by the South Coast Air Quality Management District before they vote on the matter.

The AQMD cites numerous scientific studies in recommending that wood-burning fireplaces not be used in homes. However, the agency's regulations exempt open recreational fires such as beach bonfires.

The agency is expected to revisit the issue in May and consider removing that exemption.

Coastal Commission staff recommended keeping the fire rings, stating that removing them would be inconsistent with the Coastal Act, which requires that low-cost recreational facilities that draw diverse groups to a "unique recreational area" be preserved.

However, on Wednesday, staff members recommended in light of new information from the AQMD that the Coastal Commission wait until June to decide the fate of Newport Beach's fire rings.

In recent years the fire pits issue has divided the community into those who view the rings as part of the city's history and nostalgia and others who say that the wood smoke from the pits is toxic.

Many residents came to the Bahia Resort in San Diego to speak at the meeting. A majority who spoke said the fire rings should go.

Justin Edson, a resident of Breakers Drive in Corona del Mar, said he was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and believes it was caused by unhealthy smoke from the fire rings.

"My oncologist asked if I smoked and I've never smoked in my life," he said. "It's selfish to think that people would rather have fun than care about the health of other people."

Jason Anthonisen, one of many who organized an online petition drive to save the fire pits, said more than 5,800 people signed the petition on Wednesday.

"Fire pits are one of the last and free forms of entertainment we have today," he said. "A favorite American pastime is at risk."

Newport Beach city staff members said they would replace the fire rings with amenities everyone can use such as volleyball and basketball courts and additional picnic areas.

City Manager Dave Kiff said the city did not do a study because of the high costs involved.

"We don't envision resubmitting an application," he said. "I'm glad we did not get a denial today."

Kiff told commissioners during the meeting that having the fire rings prevents tens of thousands of people with health problems such as asthma from enjoying the beach.

A man digs through the sand for recyclables next to a fire ring north of the Balboa pier Wednesday. The Newport Beach city council has voted to remove all of the rings citing saftey and pollution concerns. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Justin Edson waits with his girlfriend Jessica Guzman and daughter Allysen Mendoza, 3, for his turn to speak to the California Coastal Commission at their meeting at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. Edson was in favor of removing the fire rings. The commission continued the request. PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Justin Edson waits with his girlfriend Jessica Guzman and daughter Allysen Mendoza, 3, for his turn to speak to the California Coastal Commission at their meeting at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. Edson was in favor of removing the fire rings. The commission continued the request.

PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
California Coastal Commissions listen to speakers during their meeting at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. The commission continued the request. PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff speaks during a hearing of the California Coastal Commission at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. The commission continued the request. PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Visitors watch a slide presentation during a hearing of the California Coastal Commission at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. The commission continued the request. PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Newport Beach resident John Hamilton speaks during a hearing of the California Coastal Commission at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. Hamilton said he lives near Big Corona beach and supported the fire rings removal. The commission continued the request. PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
California Coastal Commission Chairman Mary Shallenberger speaks as fellow commissioner Steve Kinsey listens during their meeting at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. The commission continued the request. PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Nadine Turner speaks during a hearing of the California Coastal Commission at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. Turner was in favor of keeping the fire rings in Newport Beach. The commission continued the request. PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
California Coastal Commissioner Esther Sanchez speaks during the commissions meeting at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. The commission continued the request. PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Audience members listen during a California Coastal Commission meeting at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego on Wednesday. The commission was considering Newport Beach's request to remove fire rings on its beaches. The commission continued the request. PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Larry Bob of Mission Viejo throws some wood on his fire pit at Big Corona State Beach in Corona del Mar. The fire pits issue has generated much controversy in Newport Beach over the years dividing the community into those who view the rings as part of the coast's history and nostalgia and others who say that the wood smoke from the fire pits is toxic. EUGENE GARCIA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Smoke emanates from a fire pit at Big Corona State Beach in Corona del Mar. The fire pits issue has generated much controversy in Newport Beach over the years dividing the community into those who view the rings as part of the coast's history and nostalgia and others who say that the wood smoke from the fire pits is toxic. EUGENE GARCIA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A fire pit burns at Big Corona State Beach in Corona del Mar. The California Coastal Commission's staff has recommended that the commission deny Newport Beach's request to remove 60 fire pits or fire rings from city beaches. EUGENE GARCIA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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